A GROUP of volunteers in Bradford on Avon has unveiled its new community response vehicle.

 

Paul Robertson, co-ordinator of the Bradford on Avon Community Emergency Volunteers (BoA CEV), welcomed 30 guests to the fire station in St Margaret’s Street to present the new emergency vehicle, which has been fitted with equipment so volunteers can grit roads during icy weather and help residents if the town floods.

 

Mr Robertson, 43, said: “We had 30 people at the celebration. It was really good to get everyone together to talk about the volunteer service we provide. I think everyone was really pleased with what we have achieved.”

 

The new vehicle, which was supplied by Bath truck dealer Great Wall, has been fitted out by Spectra of Westbury with a light bar, a PA system and CCTV. It also has mobile gritters and life jackets and a hi-vis colour scheme to ensure the safety of volunteers.

 

“The Scottish and Southern Electricity Resilience Fund gave us over £18,000 and we also received support from local businesses such as Hitachi, which sponsored us £500. Lynch Robertson Landscape Architects, the company that I work for, also donated a further £500,” added Mr Robertson.

 

BoA CEV was formed two years ago after flooding in the town. MP Michelle Donelan is one of the 25 volunteers and she also attended the ceremony.

 

She said: “I am very supportive of the organisation. It is a very beneficial thing to have in the town. Melksham is starting to organise one as well but the Bradford on Avon group is the blueprint. The town is leading the way.”

 

For more information on the volunteer group visit www.boacevs.blogspot.com